Oil and Natural Gas

HC Deb 29 January 1973 vol 849 cc283-4W

37. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will discuss with Scottish industry his proposals relating to its ability to cater for the needs of oil explorers and producers subsequent to the publication of the International Management and Engineering Group Report.

Mr. Chataway

Ministers from the Department will be having a number of discussions with both sides of industry over the coming months. The first should take place on 9th February.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, for the purpose of oil and natural gas exploration, what part of the Atlantic Ocean to the south of England falls within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Emery

Under the United Nations Convention on the Continental Shelf the right to explore and exploit the natural resources of the continental shelf extends to a depth of 200 metres or, beyond that limit, to where the depth of water permits exploitation. An area extending to the south and west of the Isles of Scilly has been designated for this purpose; a map illustrating this is included in the Continental Shelf Annual Report for the year 1971–72 (HC 47), copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House. Further designation is being considered.